Dr Rosalind Hannen founded Keratify based on twenty years of dermatology research. Keratify have developed an unrivalled method for maintaining skin in the lab which could revolutionise human skin testing.

Our skin is a highly complex tissue, containing many different cell types and appendages, including immune cells, melanocytes, hair follicles and nerve fibres. It’s hard to recreate this artificially. In fact, many 3D skin models are only 60-80% accurate for irritance tests. Using real skin tissue brings its own problems; it starts deteriorating almost immediately.

By maintaining skin in the lab for longer, Keratify allows dermatologists to more reliably test new medical and cosmetic products before they get to human trials – identifying issues and benefits more accurately so that new therapeutics reach those who need them.

By enabling studies which could not otherwise take place, Keratify are helping to advance the entire field of dermatology.

Why did you start your spinout?

I started Keratify because there were limitations with human skin testing and I knew I had a good concept that could resolve the key issues globally. Publishing on its own would not achieve that level of outreach. As a researcher, I’ve always been naturally drawn to translational and industry-funded research. I wanted to run my own business, thought there was a strong commercial opportunity, and the timing was right both personally and in terms of support to kick-start the business.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurial academics?

Work out how you can generate revenue as quickly as possible. There is a huge focus on achieving investment rounds or winning grant funding with university spin-outs; this is great initially but it doesn’t form a sustainable business on its own. Be prepared to work fast and iterate as you go – perfection is not the key, desirable and good enough will provide the platform to reach perfection.